ALBAWABA- India summoned Stewart Wheeler, Canada's Deputy High Commissioner, after Ottawa named Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma as a "person of interest" in the investigation into the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The move came hours after India issued a strongly-worded statement, rejecting the accusations and calling them "preposterous."
New Delhi accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of engaging in "vote bank politics" and failing to curb separatist activities within Canada.
The diplomatic escalation follows a series of disputes between the two countries, including Canada's expulsion of 41 diplomats from India in October 2023, after allegations that Indian agents were involved in Nijjar's June murder in Vancouver.
India has consistently dismissed these claims as "absurd," citing a lack of evidence despite repeated requests for information from Canada.
Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly criticized India's recent moves as violations of international law, arguing that the threat to strip diplomatic immunity was "unprecedented" and contrary to the Geneva Convention.
Canada expels senior Indian diplomat over allegations in Canadian Sikh leader's assassinationThe ongoing tensions have also affected consular services, with Canada pausing in-person services in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
This diplomatic row highlights the broader issues of alleged support for separatist elements on Canadian soil and the implications for bilateral relations between the two nations.
